Today I made my first visit back to the University of Michigan Hospital since having my total thyroidectomy (performed by surgeron Dr. Barbra Miller) on 12/19/12. She explained that everything looked like it was supposed to, my incision is healing as it should, and that the remaining swelling in my neck was to be expected.
In addition, she instructed me to begin massaging the front of my neck, including the area that is swollen. This should help prevent any scar tissue forming/adhering within my neck area. Also, she explaind that exposure to sun can cause the scar to darken. As a result, she suggested I make it a daily habit to wipe sunscreen over the area each morning, especially if I'm going to be exposed to any sun.
Meanwhile, my voice is getting stronger every day. Dr. Miller said I should expect hoarseness for 6-8 weeks, and that it is normal.
At this point I will have my labs rechecked in early February, at which time we'll know whether or not I'm on the correct dose of Synthoid. I'll post a photo tomorrow, which will make it 3 weeks to the day since surgery.
Cheers!
